1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 BMW 325
To start off, 2008 BMW 325 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 325 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 325 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 2008 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 63 L |
